The flagship pedestrianisation of central Newton Abbot is being ruined by foul-mouthed skateboarders and vandals, locals have claimed.

People living and working in and around Wolborough Street have said life is becoming a misery because of the growing problems with noise, abusive behaviour, litter and damage.

Everyone the Advertiser spoke with about the matter was too worried to be named but said the trouble usually started during the day and carried on well after dark.

Last Friday morning a resident, disgusted with the previous night's antics, invited us to see for ourselves.

The area was strewn with litter and foam had been sprayed on the benches and flagstones.

On Tuesday we returned after a bench had been broken by skateboarders and others damaged.

They told us: 'This happens time after time and there's no point calling the police because they're either too busy or when they come they don't do much more than give the little hooligans a cuddle.

'We're just too soft on this sort of thing, it's scandalous.'

One business owner said he had experienced problems with skateboarders sending his elderly customers flying.

He was worried if he spoke publically his windows would be smashed.

'This just hasn't been thought out, these kids come down here racing from bench to bench using them as skateboard ramps,' he said.

'What is it about this council that they waste all this money?'

A spokesman for Teignbridge Council acknowledged the problems but said action was planned.

'We take all instances of antisocial behaviour and environmental crime very seriously and are sorry to hear that concerns have been raised in this area.

'We have arranged to meet with the police to discuss a solution.

'In the meantime our Community Environment Wardens are paying special attention to the area during their regular patrols, and can issue £75 fines to anybody seen littering.

'We have also arranged for our street cleaners to reinstate use of a street sweeping machine in the area following some technical issues which have limited its use in Wolborough Street recently.'

Sgt Fran Bennett, the district's crime prevention officer, confirmed action was imminent.

'We are aware there are issues in the area and are endeavouring to find a long term solution to this issue by providing alternative locations for these activities but unfortunateley there are no details available at this stage,' she said.

'There is a multi agency meeting being arranged for early September.'